Find out more about our Māori-language initiative here.
Over the past month, we connected with artists from across Aotearoa as we launch our new initiative to cover more Māori music on Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
For this week’s launch series, we spoke with a selection of incredible and diverse Māori artists to discuss their heritage, music, te reo, and much more.
We also asked them about the Māori music they’re loving right now, from obscure Bandcamp releases to rising stars of our country’s music scene.
Check out their picks below.
Rei
“KiaoraUTA is a young reo rapper from Porirua who I’ve done a bit of mentoring with. He’s got some dope moteatea x Travis Scott-type rap flows. Excited to see what he comes up with next!!”
Huia Hamon
“There are so many… but I think you should be on the waka for Te KuraHuia, Thee Bad Mana Wāhine.
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“They can kanikani, sing in many languages, act, hula, poi, rap, and are ātaahua too… Kia kaha, kia māia!”
Ardon England
“I’d have to say Takatapunani.
“They’re an incredibly talented DJ, producer, and artist who I’ve only recently discovered, and I genuinely think they’re bringing something fresh to Aotearoa’s music scene. They’re pushing boundaries, creating their own lane, and I can see them doing some really big things. Definitely keep your eye on them.”
Ra Charmian
“I’d have to say Jaedyn Randell.
“She has one of the most incredible voices in Aotearoa, and I think she’s an artist more people should know about. I love how effortless she makes it all sound — I’m really excited to see where her career goes because I think she’s got a huge future ahead of her.”
Iharaira Starr
“Hone is the future. Kid’s got it all to really make a big impact and have a successful career. Just needs to drop knock knock sta!!”
Tipare
“Hinemaea Ngātai. She is the most incredible beautiful composer from Te Arawa. Her voice is like a flower petal. Her reo Māori compositions are divine.”
SUB-TRIBE
“I’d say Casual Healing. He’s creating music that’s authentic, soulful, and proudly rooted in who he is!!! We’ve been lucky enough to work with him on ‘Te Waka’, and I think he’s only just getting started. He’ll definitely be an artist to keep an eye on.”
Junny
“I love the Bandcamp releases from Waikirikiri school, a Kura in Gisborne, particularly the track ‘Waikirikiri Swag’. It was put up in 2017, but I reckon all those kids would still be pretty young.
“I’m waiting for the day I see a new artists’ release and I can trace them back to this school and these tracks. Big mihis to Matua Rob who is credited with recording and producing the tracks.”
Son & Water
“One artist I’ve been jamming lately is an artist by the name of Casual Healing — definitely go have a listen some awesome songs on his résumé.”
